Meh, those are all reference links anyways. If you want to look at camera models, just go on Adorama or B&H to check out and compare models. CLP has to be done over the phone anyways (cannot be done online) and there is no reference to CLP via Canon's Website anyways, so honestly you're not missing anything with those 404s.

Just call up Canon and ask them if ___ model DSLR is available and if they take ____ model point and shoot under CLP. Usually all models are in stock but the 7D and 5D II, and I don't think I've ever seen entry-level bodies like the XS or T2i sold out yet, so you should be good.

Honestly.. a 20d is a fine camera and I think it would be better then a rebel. Ive never liked the Rebel series. I have a Canon 20D and it's a tank I love it.. I also have a 5d Mark II and I still shoot with my 20D all the time.. Matched with some good glass its flawless. If you are going to buy a "Rebel" at least go with a t1i+ not a XS. Also a 20D shoots at 5 frames which is a plus. Simple, The 20D is more rugged with a better grip, the XS is smaller, with less grip and it's plastic. I don't see you going wrong with a 20D.. I've been using it for a long time and I can testify its a good camera. (not bashing the XS I just feel the 20d is a more better approach, I feel like as the x0D series is a more bigger step than the Rebel series, the rebel series you would want to atleast more up to date as I stated at least a t1i+)

Meh, those are all reference links anyways. If you want to look at camera models, just go on Adorama or B&H to check out and compare models. CLP has to be done over the phone anyways (cannot be done online) and there is no reference to CLP via Canon's Website anyways, so honestly you're not missing anything with those 404s.

Just call up Canon and ask them if ___ model DSLR is available and if they take ____ model point and shoot under CLP. Usually all models are in stock but the 7D and 5D II, and I don't think I've ever seen entry-level bodies like the XS or T2i sold out yet, so you should be good.

Honestly.. a 20d is a fine camera and I think it would be better then a rebel. Ive never liked the Rebel series. I have a Canon 20D and it's a tank I love it.. I also have a 5d Mark II and I still shoot with my 20D all the time.. Matched with some good glass its flawless. If you are going to buy a "Rebel" at least go with a t1i+ not a XS. Also a 20D shoots at 5 frames which is a plus. Simple, The 20D is more rugged with a better grip, the XS is smaller, with less grip and it's plastic. I don't see you going wrong with a 20D.. I've been using it for a long time and I can testify its a good camera. (not bashing the XS I just feel the 20d is a more better approach, I feel like as the x0D series is a more bigger step than the Rebel series, the rebel series you would want to atleast more up to date as I stated at least a t1i+)

Honestly.. a 20d is a fine camera and I think it would be better then a rebel. Ive never liked the Rebel series. I have a Canon 20D and it's a tank I love it.. I also have a 5d Mark II and I still shoot with my 20D all the time.. Matched with some good glass its flawless. If you are going to buy a "Rebel" at least go with a t1i+ not a XS. Also a 20D shoots at 5 frames which is a plus. Simple, The 20D is more rugged with a better grip, the XS is smaller, with less grip and it's plastic. I don't see you going wrong with a 20D.. I've been using it for a long time and I can testify its a good camera. (not bashing the XS I just feel the 20d is a more better approach, I feel like as the x0D series is a more bigger step than the Rebel series, the rebel series you would want to atleast more up to date as I stated at least a t1i+)

For a beginner photographer though, I'd recommend against this.

The XS is a Rebel, but because of the age difference, there's newer tech on there that the 20D doesn't have. This includes a better sensor for high ISO, larger/higher res rear LCD, and SD card compatibility. For someone just starting out with photography, this usually makes them feel more comfortable with the jump.

Then of course, given how the 20D is an older camera, I'm a bit tentitative about buying it used now. Esp with the Craigslist post, there's no mention of the mileage on the image sensor, and it's definitely out of warranty by now. It's not so much the 20D itself than it is how long it's been used.

And finally, like I mentioned before, I think the 18-55mm IS is a better lens for beginners to work with. I'm a prime user myself, but eh, most people starting out seem to dislike primes.

Again, these aren't all knocks on the 20D itself, but its application on people just starting out with photography now.

Honestly.. a 20d is a fine camera and I think it would be better then a rebel. Ive never liked the Rebel series. I have a Canon 20D and it's a tank I love it.. I also have a 5d Mark II and I still shoot with my 20D all the time.. Matched with some good glass its flawless. If you are going to buy a "Rebel" at least go with a t1i+ not a XS. Also a 20D shoots at 5 frames which is a plus. Simple, The 20D is more rugged with a better grip, the XS is smaller, with less grip and it's plastic. I don't see you going wrong with a 20D.. I've been using it for a long time and I can testify its a good camera. (not bashing the XS I just feel the 20d is a more better approach, I feel like as the x0D series is a more bigger step than the Rebel series, the rebel series you would want to atleast more up to date as I stated at least a t1i+)

I also had the 20D and have the 5DII also, but its hard to compare the situation because its "your" 20D, you know its history and its dependable *and* you have a newer far more capable camera. If you just could have one, what would you buy with your money, a 7 y.o. mystery 20D or a brand new Rebel for roughly the same money, which comes with a warranty? As much as I loved my 20D, putting myself in the OP's shoes, I just cant bring myself to tell him to go that route.

I also had the 20D and have the 5DII also, but its hard to compare the situation because its "your" 20D, you know its history and its dependable *and* you have a newer far more capable camera. If you just could have one, what would you buy with your money, a 7 y.o. mystery 20D or a brand new Rebel for roughly the same money, which comes with a warranty? As much as I loved my 20D, putting myself in the OP's shoes, I just cant bring myself to tell him to go that route.

BTW, I think your post sums up the trade-offs very well. The 20D was great in its time, but the entire camera system (hardware, architecture etc), has come such a long way, its just not compelling anymore.

I think you guys are right about "I know my 20d" and he doesn't really know the mileage on that one.. that was a pretty nice point. After looking back and reading.. The XS or any DSLR for that matter would be a good start (in the price range) in the end there all pretty much going to do the same thing | take a picture. Good luck and have fun with what ever one you decide to get.

(I was being a little biased on the whole rebel series.. don't get me wrong its a wonderful line of cameras, and I would say a XS+1855 combo is a nice starting set up)